Ex-Liverpool striker: Reds will “deal with” Plymouth, but youngsters must take their chance

Neil Mellor has urged Liverpool’s young players to take any opportunities they are given by Jurgen Klopp this weekend.

Liverpool are currently enjoying a superb Premier League season, with the Merseyside giants sitting just five points behind Chelsea in the table.

The form of Klopp’s starting XI, though, has restricted the number of chances for the Reds’ academy graduates this season, while they are also set to field a strong line-up in the EFL Cup semi-finals.

As such, an FA Cup Third Round tie against League Two opposition could see the German coach use inexperienced starlets, in addition to back-up players.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to stand-in for Nathaniel Clyne, as the teenage right-back will aim to build upon the impressive start made to his senior career.

Striker Ben Woodburn may also hope for a substitute stint against Plymouth, after becoming Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer earlier this season.

Ahead of Sunday’s clash at Anfield, ex-forward Mellor wrote for the Liverpool Echo: “The last thing we would want to do is go to Old Trafford [in the Premier League on 16th January] on the back of a poor result.

“I expect us to deal with Plymouth in the FA Cup on the weekend, they’re going very well in League Two but I think our squad’s strong enough to deal with that threat.

“The manager will trust young players and give them an opportunity and while I don’t expect a huge number to play it’s up to those that do to take that opportunity.

“When you’re trying to make a career not many chances come your way and you have to be ready to take them.”